Fla. Democrats to hand out money to veteran groups

Florida Democrats are handing out checks to veteran groups as part of the fallout over a gambling ring scandal.

Top Democrats in the Florida Legislature will distribute checks Monday to veteran groups based in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The move comes after Allied Veterans of the World was accused of running a $290 million illegal gambling business that directed most proceeds into its owners' pockets.

Democrats say that they've identified that Allied and its associates donated $272,000 to Democratic campaigns.

Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, called the allegations "infuriating" and said Democrats would not have not accepted any money if they had known about Allied activities.

Democrats plan to give checks to two American Legion posts, two Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and a Jewish War Veterans post.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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